Help Choosing Swirl Removing Stuff

[Bonnell]

Hi Everyone,

I have a 2002 convertible with a black exterior and Lt Oak softop and interior. The car is beautiful. When the sun shines on it however you can really see the swirl marks.

I have seen postings showing before and after photos of Zanio covering the swirls and they are amazing. What I need to know is do I need one of the PC polishers or can the swirls really be eliminated by hand?

Adams sells a kit that includes a PC polisher but the kit is $350. A Zaino kit without the PC is $85. A recommended local detailer will polish it for $150.

Can someone with a C5 and black paint who has delt with swirl marks make a recommendation here? I would like make a decision based on similar experience.

TIA

J

 

[c5y2k]

First thing that comes to mind is checking to see how bad the swirls are to start with. I have seen swirls in some cars be in the build up of wax on the surface and not actually in the paint. But the only way to really tell is to get that old wax off first. Which is where you want to start anyway. I used what was recommended on Zaino's web site to remove the old wax.
Wash the car with Dawn (regular not the lemon stuff)
Dry
Then clay bar the whole car

Now to remove the swirls. IMHO you really need a polisher to remove them, not to mention saving your arm. I personally use light cut swirl remover that I got here. Its a great web site with tons of detailing information.

Once you get the old wax off and the surface smoothed out you can put a few coats of your favorite wax. I personally love Zaino.

I know my car is not black but I did have some swirl marks that drove me crazy. I removed the old wax, used the light cut swirl remover and waxed the car up again. Swirl free now.

Here is another good web site: http://www.autogeek.net/

 

[Bonnell]

First thing that comes to mind is checking to see how bad the swirls are to start with. I have seen swirls in some cars be in the build up of wax on the surface and not actually in the paint. But the only way to really tell is to get that old wax off first. Which is where you want to start anyway. I used what was recommended on Zaino's web site to remove the old wax.
Wash the car with Dawn (regular not the lemon stuff)
Dry
Then clay bar the whole car

Now to remove the swirls. IMHO you really need a polisher to remove them, not to mention saving your arm. I personally use light cut swirl remover that I got here. Its a great web site with tons of detailing information.

Once you get the old wax off and the surface smoothed out you can put a few coats of your favorite wax. I personally love Zaino.

I know my car is not black but I did have some swirl marks that drove me crazy. I removed the old wax, used the light cut swirl remover and waxed the car up again. Swirl free now.

Here is another good web site: http://www.autogeek.net/http://www.autogeek.net/

Thanks for the info. Did you use a polishing tool?

 

[c5y2k]

Yes, I have an orbital buffer although its not the portal cable they have on the web site its gets the job done.

 

[Bonnell]

Yes, I have an orbital buffer although its not the portal cable they have on the web site its gets the job done.

Would you mind sharing what buffer you have and where I can get one? The PC really seems expensive. I just want something that will do the job without causing more swirls.

TIA

 

[Black Bart]

Well you ask for someone with a C5 I own a C4 but the method of removing swirls would be the same since all cars have the same clear coat on them
If you have swirls over the entire car then you don't want to try to do this by hand. DO NOT buy one of those cheap polishers like they sell at Wal- Mart these are made to apply wax not polish the surface. You can buy a Porter Cable at Lowe's for $99.00 this will be the best money you will ever spend on your car. Their are several good polishes but some are more difficult to use than others with dusting problems I use Meg.#80 with a LC white pad to remove minor scratches. You can stop their or if you want to really make it mirror smooth use MenzernaFPII and a LC black pad then apply LSP of your choice. Pinnacle Souveran or Duragloss 105 are both outstanding on black. I have Duragloss on my BLACK vette. Here is a link to see what your BLACK should look like http://s68.photobucket.com/albums/i36/blackbart_photos/Duragloss on Vette/

After you get it swirl free you need to learn how to wash it without putting more swirls in it. Nearly all swirls are caused from improper washing.
This is what you should do.


Supplies:

-car wash soap with high lubricity
-high quality sheepskin wash mitts
-foam gun
-2 buckets with grit guards for paint
-1 bucket and mitt for wheels
-high quality microfiber towels
-210+ mph electric leaf blower
-high quality sealant and/or wax
-quick detailer

Method:

-wash wheels/tires/wells first to prevent spotting on paint and glass

-Don't use the same mitt or bucket for wheels that you use on your paint. The brake dust, etc. from your wheels will cause scratches and swirls in your paint.

-using foam gun, cover vehicle in a thick layer of foam

-Use two buckets for washing paint. One with a soapy mixture, the other with plain water to rinse the mitt between panels.

-Never use circular motions. Always wash, dry, and wax using front to back and top to bottom motions.

-when vehicle is fully cleaned, allow a slow, steady stream of water to flow over each panel...sheeting the majority of the water off

-use the leaf blower to blow all water from flat surfaces, mirrors, lights, etc.

-remove any remaining water with a waffle weave drying towel and detail spray

*The less you touch the paint, the less chance of marring*

Keeping a good sealant and/or wax on the paint will assist in cleaning and reduce chances of marring.
__________________

 

[Bonnell]

Thanks Black Bart. You have a beautiful car! I have a white '88 that has been my daily driver for the past 4 years. I just recently purchased the black '02 vert (complete with swirls).

I follow the process that you described except for the foam. What is this foam?

I will buy the PC. I just did not want to waste the cash if it is ineffective. The Lowes version that I found online is $119. I listed it below. Is this the corerct version? This lists as a sander and is $70 less than Adams sells it for.

Thanks for your help.

Porter-Cable
Random Orbit Sander

Item #: 51472 Model: 7336SP
$119.00

For random, swirl-free sanding action
3.7 Amps, AC only
Electronic variable-speed dial with a range of 2500 to 6000 OPM
Spiral and bevel gears
100% ball bearings
Includes 80G disc, 100G disc, 120G disc, 150G disc, wrench, and manual
Amps: 3.7
Orbits Per Minute: 2500-6000
Paper Size: 6"
Paper Type: Abrasive

 

[Black Bart]

Thanks Black Bart. You have a beautiful car! I have a white '88 that has been my daily driver for the past 4 years. I just recently purchased the black '02 vert (complete with swirls).

I follow the process that you described except for the foam. What is this foam?

I will buy the PC. I just did not want to waste the cash if it is ineffective. The Lowe's version that I found online is $119. I listed it below. Is this the corerct version? This lists as a sander and is $70 less than Adams sells it for.

Thanks for your help.

Porter-Cable
Random Orbit Sander

Item #: 51472 Model: 7336SP
$119.00

For random, swirl-free sanding action
3.7 Amps, AC only
Electronic variable-speed dial with a range of 2500 to 6000 OPM
Spiral and bevel gears
100% ball bearings
Includes 80G disc, 100G disc, 120G disc, 150G disc, wrench, and manual
Amps: 3.7
Orbits Per Minute: 2500-6000
Paper Size: 6"
Paper Type: Abrasive

The foam gun is just something that is nice to have but not required to do a good job. You do want to make sure you use the two bucket method of washing. You can get by without the grit guard in your bucket when you rinse lay the mit on the car or keep it in your hand but do not drop it in the bucket without a grit guard or it will pickup grit off the bottom of the bucket.
The only difference between the 7336sp and the one that the detailing sites sell is the 7336 comes with a 6 inch counter weight and the polisher has a 5 inch weight so to use 6.5 pads you will need to buy a 6 inch weight. other than the weight the machines are identical. The PC is far more powerful than those worthless little polishers that you see for 15 bucks.Even the PC is slow at removing serious scratches. I have a rotary for that but a PC will remove serious swirls if you are patient enough. It is impossible to polish by hand and break down the polish properly the PC is a must have tool. Meguiars sells a video that show proper use of the PC you may want to consider buying one but the PC is easy to learn to use you just have to learn what speed to set it at for what product and how much pressure to apply on it and how fast to move it over the surface. When it comes to detailing their are two colors BLACK and then all the rest. Their is a reason why all products are tested on black. If it works on black it will work on anything.
Black is very difficult to make it look good you need to know what you are doing other colors are nor as critical.. You can buy a PC in a kit from several sites but you can buy it at Lowe's and then buy the pads at wherever you can get the best deal and save 50 bucks or more. Here is another site you may want to check out.
www.duragloss.com Glad you like my old 89 here is a list of some of the modifications that i have done to it. I copied my signature from another forum to save typing it.
89Black coupe 6spd FX-3 \ Chrome GS Wheels 315\35\17 G-ForceKD's \ SB-406cid\ Procharger D1-R \ 8 Rib pulleys\ Custom built Spearco intercooler \ Spal Fans \ NOS wet nitrous system controlled by jacobs mastermind controller \ Spearco water/alcohol injection system \ TPIS Mini Ram II \ 58mmTB \ AFR heads \ AFR rev kit \ Manley4340 push rods \
Comp cams custom grind roller \ Comp cam lifters \ Comp cams roller rockers 1.6 ratio \ Ross custom pistons 4340 pins \Speed pro rings \ 6 inch eagle 4340 3d rods \ eagle 4340 crank \ fluid balancer \ Cloyes true roller timing chain \ Melling high output oil pump \ 10 qt. multi trap door pan \ large oil cooler \ MSD-Digital-7 ignition\With MSD pro-power coil \ MSD boost retard \ Msd super conductor wires \ Accel DFI Gen.7 W/wide band \ 83lbs injectors \ Centerforce clutch & flywheel \ TPIS jet hot coated headers \ 13 inch rotors C5 calipers w hawk pads \ Air dam with air ducts to brakes \ Triple pillar pod with Autometer gauges \ Air-Fuel \Boost \Fuel Pressure \ lowering kit \Escort radar detector \RM radar jammer.

 

[Bonnell]

Thanks for all of the input. I have really been trying to figure out if I needed the PC or not. Adam's seems to think so but the Zaino materal does not reference one. Based on your input I am going to get one.

My white '88 coupe is easy to keep looking good but this black vert is much harder.

If my C4 looked (and was modded) like yours I wouldn't have a C5!

 

[Black Bart]

BONNELL
You won't be sorry if fact you will be kicking your self for not doing it sooner.
I'm amazed at how many people don't have a PC yet. I would not do without one even if it cost twice as much. I hear you about the BLACK I own three Black vehicles. I tell people that I like the challenge.
In regards to all the mods sometimes I think about the cost and think how I could have bought a new one for less but I'm one of those guy's that can't leave anything stock and if I bought a new one I would not be happy with it until I had it like I waned it. When I bought this one I drove it home and started modding it. I guess I'm just a kid at heart I had a guy in my home town ask me when he saw my vette when are you going to grow up and I replied I hope I never do I'm haven too much fun

 

[Bonnell]

BONNELL
You won't be sorry if fact you will be kicking your self for not doing it sooner.
I'm amazed at how many people don't have a PC yet. I would not do without one even if it cost twice as much. I hear you about the BLACK I own three Black vehicles. I tell people that I like the challenge.
In regards to all the mods sometimes I think about the cost and think how I could have bought a new one for less but I'm one of those guy's that can't leave anything stock and if I bought a new one I would not be happy with it until I had it like I waned it. When I bought this one I drove it home and started modding it. I guess I'm just a kid at heart I had a guy in my home town ask me when he saw my vette when are you going to grow up and I replied I hope I never do I'm haven too much fun

Right, why in hell would you want to grow up?! Keep making the mods!

 

[DFCORVETTE]

Hi Everyone,

I have a 2002 convertible with a black exterior and Lt Oak softop and interior. The car is beautiful. When the sun shines on it however you can really see the swirl marks.

I have seen postings showing before and after photos of Zanio covering the swirls and they are amazing. What I need to know is do I need one of the PC polishers or can the swirls really be eliminated by hand?

Adams sells a kit that includes a PC polisher but the kit is $350. A Zaino kit without the PC is $85. A recommended local detailer will polish it for $150.

Can someone with a C5 and black paint who has delt with swirl marks make a recommendation here? I would like make a decision based on similar experience.

TIA

J

[Hello My Danny, I have a Black C-3 and I detail cars for a living. I have found for me to remove swirls is to use a 2800 Random orbal BUFFER I know what you are thinging buffer burn paint........ Well not this one will not burn and will remove swirls. The produts I use work well for me and by far are the best.......... The first product is a 3-M Perfect-it 3000 I apply the product to the Buffer using one of the bonnets that comes with the buffer.. Than use enough product to cover a 2 ft by 3 ft section. Apply with buffer until you just barley dont see it on the car. Wipe execc off with a Mocro- Fiber towelland Keep going until the Whole car is done. Then with that same Buffer go back and use a Machine Glaze by 3-M repeat the same way... With the Glaze.......Then see if you can find Product made by BLUE CORRAL called PROUCT X....... This will be the final step....... It will make your car look as if you poured a gallon of clear on it....... My car has been painted now for 25 yrs.... And looks as good as a new one......Hope this will help you with your swils.. The Buffer came from sears.......Like I said hope it works Danny/quote]

 

[Bonnell]

Hi Everyone,

I have a 2002 convertible with a black exterior and Lt Oak softop and interior. The car is beautiful. When the sun shines on it however you can really see the swirl marks.

I have seen postings showing before and after photos of Zanio covering the swirls and they are amazing. What I need to know is do I need one of the PC polishers or can the swirls really be eliminated by hand?

Adams sells a kit that includes a PC polisher but the kit is $350. A Zaino kit without the PC is $85. A recommended local detailer will polish it for $150.

Can someone with a C5 and black paint who has delt with swirl marks make a recommendation here? I would like make a decision based on similar experience.

TIA

J

[Hello My Danny, I have a Black C-3 and I detail cars for a living. I have found for me to remove swirls is to use a 2800 Random orbal BUFFER I know what you are thinging buffer burn paint........ Well not this one will not burn and will remove swirls. The produts I use work well for me and by far are the best.......... The first product is a 3-M Perfect-it 3000 I apply the product to the Buffer using one of the bonnets that comes with the buffer.. Than use enough product to cover a 2 ft by 3 ft section. Apply with buffer until you just barley dont see it on the car. Wipe execc off with a Mocro- Fiber towelland Keep going until the Whole car is done. Then with that same Buffer go back and use a Machine Glaze by 3-M repeat the same way... With the Glaze.......Then see if you can find Product made by BLUE CORRAL called PROUCT X....... This will be the final step....... It will make your car look as if you poured a gallon of clear on it....... My car has been painted now for 25 yrs.... And looks as good as a new one......Hope this will help you with your swils.. The Buffer came from sears.......Like I said hope it works Danny/quote]

Thanks Danny. This is great info and I appreciate your posting for me. BTW: That is a beautiful C3!

 

[BobbyG]

I use Adam's Swirl & Haze Remover.

Adam’s Swirl & Haze Remover is not rubbing compound. The alumina-based microcompound formula is less abrasive than toothpaste and gently removes swirls and hazing from clearcoats and painted surfaces. For use by hand or machine.

Give it a try, visit http://www.adamspolishes.com/

 

[Bonnell]

I use Adam's Swirl & Haze Remover.

Adam’s Swirl & Haze Remover is not rubbing compound. The alumina-based microcompound formula is less abrasive than toothpaste and gently removes swirls and hazing from clearcoats and painted surfaces. For use by hand or machine.

Give it a try, visit http://www.adamspolishes.com/

Thanks Bob. It seems that there are basically two camps - Zanio and Adams (with input from another CAC friend using 3M). One thing I really like about Adams is the helpful videos they have on their site. It is useful whether you use Adams or not.